KUALA LUMPUR: The number of accidents during Ops Selamat held in conjunction with Chinese New Year this year increased by 41% compared to 2022, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police said a total of 15,999 cases were recorded this year compared to 11,325 in 2022.

"It is an increase of 4,674 cases or 41%. A total of 121 fatal accidents were also recorded during the same period compared to 108 last year. It is an increase of 13 cases or 12%," he said in the closing ceremony for Ops Selamat held at the Police College on Tuesday (Jan 31).

A total of 134 deaths were recorded this year compared to 119 last year, he said.

"This is a 13% increase or 15 cases. Motorcycle riders and pillion riders contributed to the highest fatalities among road users with 81 deaths," he said.

Razarudin said a total of 160,375 traffic summonses were issued throughout the Ops Selamat period compared with 308,726 summonses last year.

"It shows a drastic reduction as we believe most road users adhere to traffic laws and regulations.

"We also did not conduct any road blocks during Ops Selamat as we did not want to disrupt the journeys of road users," he added.

No fatal accidents were recorded at 30 hot spots (for traffic congestion) identified along the North-South Expressway as well as at 234 black spots (accident-prone areas) nationwide, Razarudin said.

"We will work towords identifying new black spots in the country," he said.

The number of house break-in cases also showed a 9.6% reduction compared to last year, he said.

"A total of 296 break-in cases were recorded this year compared to 326 cases last year.

"A total of 68,519 patrols were conducted on houses and premises during the Chinese New Year period.

"High awareness among members of society on the importance of safeguarding homes and belongings is one of the factors that contributed to the reduction in cases.

"We will continue to engage the public in spreading more awareness on crime prevention," Razarudin said.